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Stay connected with International Institute of Buffalo happenings, news, interviews and other resources for the New American community and its supporters.

Upwardly Global Features IIB’s Professional Pathways Program

By Education, In the Community

Upwardly Global, a national program that promotes the hiring of immigrants and refugees, put our successful Professional Pathways program in the spotlight!  Sponsored by the NYS Office of New Americans, Professional Pathways helps high-skilled refugees and immigrants re-enter their careers or continue in higher education. Our partnership with Upwardly Global bolsters our mission, providing additional expertise and services.  Denise Beehag,…

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Gilbane’s EmpoWer Initiative Helps Brighten Season for Newly Arrived Refugee Family

By Donations, In the Community
Representatives from Gilbane Building Company recently stopped by our Delaware Avenue location this week to brighten the season for a New American Family. They dropped off a large gift package with multiple snow shovels, a vacuum, blankets, and a television. It's all part of our Gifts for Good Neighbors program to help our city's newest neighbors integrate into the community…
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IIB Supports Increased Language Access in New York State

By I/T Service Update, In the Community, News
Jennifer Ulrich, IIB's Lead Coordinator of Interpreting and Translation, represented the International Institute of Buffalo in voting for expanded language access in New York during a Partnership for the Public Good meeting to select 2024 community agenda proposals. The proposal, represented in Plank 15, was submitted by the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and focuses on leveling the field when…
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IIB Welcomes 49 New Americans from 23 Countries!

By News
  We were honored to have welcomed 49 New Americans from 23 countries while they took their citizenship oaths at the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services Naturalization Ceremony in Buffalo this morning. The countries from which these new American citizens traveled are: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Burma, Canada, China, Congo,  Egypt, Grenada, Guyana, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Somalia, South Sudan,…
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IIB on WKBW-TV: How You Can Help Spread the Word on Winter Prep

By In the Community, Media Mentions, News
In case you missed it, Executive Director Jennifer Rizzo-Choi spoke to WKBW-TV anchor Michael Wooten on set Tuesday about the life-saving winter weather information we now offer in 13 different languages. She explained why it’s so important to extend a helping hand to new neighbors who may be experiencing their first-ever winter season. From buzzwords like “lake effect” to having…
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IIB, RBERN WEST and Erie 1 BOCES partner for Interpreting and Translation Workshop: Committee on Special Education Meetings

By Events, I/T Service Update
Join The International Institute of Buffalo's Interpreting & Translation Department for an informational event presented by Melissa Duquette & Tamara Alsace from Erie 1 BOCES and RBERN West. This is a virtual 2-hour event focused on interpreting for Committee on Special Education (CSE) Meetings. WHEN: Thursday 12/07/2023, 9:00-11:00 a.m. --  Eastern Time USA/Canada HOW LONG: 2 Hours LOCATION: Online CLICK HERE…
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In-person Hello Training Postponed: Recorded Sessions Available in the Interim

By Education, Uncategorized, Volunteer
Volunteer in Our Home English Language Learners Outreach (HELLO) Program! Update: Our in-person HELLO training previously scheduled for Thursday, December 7 has been postponed. In the interim, we are offering recorded volunteer training sessions to continue the important work of helping our newest American neighbors learn English. If you are interested in tutoring, please email Steve at volunteers@iibuff.org, no experience…
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Expert on European Politics Discusses Future Impacts of the Rise of Populism and Invasion of Ukraine at IIB

By Events, History, News
Recently, we brought international scholar Dr. Martin Nekola to Western New York to speak on the rise of populism in Europe and the War in Ukraine. During his presentation, Dr. Nekola described how these two things will drive Europe’s future: the rise of populism, mostly by right-wing groups, creating uncertainty and instability, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with its own…
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November 2023 Newsletter

By Newsletter
The latest and the greatest information from the International Institute of Buffalo in the form of our November 2023 Newsletter! Get more information about: Thanksgiving dinner that we provided to our News American clients in collaboration with Parkside Lutheran Church Cold weather needs of our clients including winter coats Our Winter Weather Preparation fliers and expanded the number of languages--…
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Meet the Linguist! Spanish to English Translator Jeannine Scibilia

By I/T Service Update
Jeannine was born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, where she studied Spanish throughout high school and majored in Spanish in college. She honed her skills by spending a full year in Venezuela, where she continued learning the language. After she returned from Venezuela, Jeannine’s neighbor presented her with an opportunity to teach Spanish at a local community college. At…
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